Needle question
 

I'm going to hem some jeans, so I think I figured out I need a needle of 80/10 or 70/10. Any advice on size and I have a babylock, so I'm not sure if certain needles are better for that type of machine. The store I bought it from is holding my babylock account from me. They registered the warrantee.
Thanks in advance! I know its not really a quilting question but its one of the reason's hubby agreed to getting my machine which is mostly for quilting!

For jeans you need a much larger needle than that. I would use a 90/14. They also make needles for denim. Denim is thick and when doubled or tripled for the hem, a needle that small will bend and break.

Thank you Ginaky! but one more question, do they all fit all machines?

You are best off using a jeans needle — size 80 if the denim is not heavy, size 90 for thick, heavy denim. You could use regular needles in those sizes too, but jeans needles have a sharper point designed specifically to penetrate denim easily. Schmetz brand needles fit most modern machines. The store where you bought the machine will know and, if they are a dealership, they should also have the needles in stock.

Did you receive the manual for your machine? There should be a guide about needles, sizes and types. I don't understand why are they holding your account? Your machine should be registered to you.

Best wishes and have fun!

I use a 100 / 16 for jeans

I use 90/14 jeans or microtex needles to hem my husband's jeans. Having a hump jumper or jeansmagig for getting over the seams also helps.

I have a Babylock Jane, straight stitch only Organ needles came with it. It will use schmetz, my Juki won't.
90/16 is what I would. But then again I would not hem pants. Been there done that not any more.

I'm puzzled by the comment that your comment that the store is holding something from you?

Jeans needle, 90/14 is common for denim, depending on the thread you are using. ( if the thread is really heavy you might want bigger yet.
as for brand— common brands we use are Schmetz ( been around for ages) and Organ seems to be becoming popular. I’ve had a few Organ brand needles sent free with orders from a couple shops. When I’m buying needles I purchase Schmetz- just because I’ve used them for so many years. Singers have their own needles.

Even with the large needle, I have to be cautious when sewing over the jeans' side seams. I turn the "hand wheel" by hand over the seams. Slow and careful. I have to hem jeans for both my husband and I. I really do not like doing it, but that's how it goes:) When our neighbor started asking me to do hemming for him and his lady friend, I easily said no. Although I have sewn quite a few buttons on shirts for him, not completely hard hearted! Good luck with your hemming.

I also use a jeans/denim needle when hemming jeans.

Our neighbor in Florida has asked me to hem jeans for her husband. My payment is a slice of lemon meringue pie.

Me too. I would call the manufacturer and ask them to change it to your name. You are the buyer, and the warranty is for you not the person who sold it. I have a feeling that they are doing something unethical.....

My 6430 Viking recommends 90/14 as the most desirable needle to use regularly. While I keep a supply of all sizes of Schmetz needles on hand, the 90/14 is what I use most often. I do have a pamphlet put out by Schmetz on recommended sizes to use for specific instances/fabrics somewhere, I will have to find it and use it as a reference for a more informed needle use.

I was curious about that, too. What does "holding my account from me" mean? I'd be tempted to contact Babylock directly. If you have paid for your machine they shouldn't be holding anything from you. If you haven't yet paid for it that might be a different story.

Lemon meringue pie inexchange for hemming jeans? I think that is a fair trade!

I'm with the others who wonder why the store is holding your Babylock account?

They acutually make jeans needles that are made for them.

I know this is a slightly older thread but I have to say bearisgray If I hemmed someone else's jeans then I want the whole pie not just a slice.

Jeansmagig is a plastic thing that helps presser foot go up and over the thick seam. Goggle, you might see it used.
Family member had an alteration business & she would pin jeans hems in place then take it out to the sidewalk and softly pound the seam kind of flat, (note: I said “kind of flat”) to help sew over it. I was successful once then next time I made a hole in the fabric ! Yikes ! Pound at your own risk !
There are You tubes about taking a tuck above the hemline then trimming off the tuck. It keeps the original hem. Done that, I got some strings hanging down but I trimmed and after a couple of washings, didn’t bother much anymore.